Sen. Pat Steadman said he’s frustrated that a bill requiring gun buyers to pay for their background checks is being held up by his own party, possibly to be introduced as part of package of gun bills.

“In my mind this is a fiscal-policy issue about how we fund state government services,” said the Denver Democrat, who serves on the Joint Budget Committee. “It ought not to wait on a larger package of gun safety legislation.

“We should do it in a hurry. Every day that we debate gun issues under this Gold Dome, or every day it gets talked about in Washington, more and more people are going to try to make a purchase … and create more of a backlog. That’s why I’ve spent over a week trying to shake this thing loose.”

Ever since the gun debate escalated late last year, firearm sales in the state have soared, creating a backlog for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which must perform background checks on potential customers. What used to be a 23-minute procedure soared to a days-long waiting list. The backlog has been reduced somewhat, with only 8,669 checks waiting, according to CBI stats from this afternoon.

That situation focused attention on the fact that gun customers don’t pay for their background checks, but others, including teachers, do.

The fee idea has been floated before, but it hasn’t gone anywhere. Former Gov. Bill Ritter, a Democrat, proposed in 2010 making gun buyers pay for their own background checks to help balance the budget. If gun owners had paid the $10.50 to cover the processing fee, it would have generated an estimated $1.6 million a year in revenue for the state. But Republicans called it a “poll tax” and even Democrats didn’t like the idea.

There was a solution: allow for people that have already undergone a training class, an extensive background check and paid a fee of $150 to receive a CCW permit. The DEMOCRATS said no to that. Most likely that would have had a huge impact on the reduction of the back log. The Democrats keep showing their true colors, they don’t support freedom and they’re always blaming somebody/thing else for the problems THEY create.
The DEMOCRATS truely hate all of use, they view us all as subjects.

Charlie

The picture at the top of your article was obviously staged by someone who does not know anything about shooting a semi-automatic handgun. You do not put your left thumb across your right hand like that, because the slide is going to cut the thumb when the gun cycles.

Kate Stonehedge

Of course, if they wait, the 4 “extra” databases in the CBI check could be included in the NICS check. Funny how the “press release” posting “journalists” never actually research anything except a free latte or piece of pie.

Jack

Bullseye, Charlie! In fact, most of the anti-gun hysteria is created and promoted by prople with little or no familiarity with guns. Most of the proposed laws too. Another good reason not to rush anything through!

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.